In a significant rebound, U.S. patent grants have experienced an upward trajectory, marking a 3.8 percent increase in 2024, reaching a total of 324,043 patents issued. This revitalization follows a concerning four-year decline from the years preceding this resurgence. Notably, Samsung has sustained its dominance in the patent arena, retaining its position as the leading patent holder in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. The findings were released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, a trusted source for patent data globally.
IFI CLAIMS Patent Services operates under the umbrella of Digital Science and is renowned for its meticulous compilation and tracking of data across various patent-issuing entities, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Their insights culminate in an annual ranking system that includes the U.S. Top 50 patent rankings and the Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies. These rankings not only reflect patent activity but also serve as valuable indicators of research and development dynamics within enterprises.
Amidst the increasing patent grants, U.S. patent applications surged to an all-time high in 2024, climbing by 3 percent to reach 430,625 applications, signaling a robust landscape for domestic innovation. This uptick in activity is a strong indicator that the U.S. innovation economy is not merely recovering but experiencing a revitalization fueled by ongoing advancements across various sectors.
In the latest U.S. Top 50 rankings, TSMC has ascended to second place, surpassing Qualcomm, which has slipped to third place. Apple and Huawei are firmly seated in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, while IBM has experienced a decline, falling to eighth place. Once a staple at the top of the rankings for an impressive 29 years, IBM has adjusted its patent strategy, opting for a more measured approach to patenting. This shift has allowed Samsung to leapfrog over IBM in the patent hierarchy, a notable change that reflects the evolving landscape of technology and innovation.
The CEO of IFI CLAIMS, Ronald Kratz, expressed optimism regarding the recovery of patent grants, emphasizing the progress made in addressing the backlog of unexamined patents that had accumulated over recent years. As the USPTO works to mitigate this backlog, which ballooned to 813,000 unexamined applications in 2024, the efforts appear to be yielding positive results for patent grants overall.
Examining the specifics of the U.S. Top 50 rankings reveals that Samsung has not only maintained its lead but has also increased its patent count from 6,165 in 2023 to 6,377 in 2024, reflecting a 3 percent growth year over year. TSMC has similarly reported gains, climbing to the second position by securing 3,989 patents, an increase from the 3,687 patents achieved the previous year. In contrast, Qualcomm experienced an alarming 11 percent decline in patent grants, while Apple made a notable leap, rising three spots to fourth place. This fluctuation among leading patent holders underscores the highly competitive nature of innovation-driven sectors.
A further analysis of patent activity shows an interesting trend – U.S. companies, while holding the highest national tally with 143,382 patents, represent a minority in overall patent issuance. A substantial 56 percent of U.S. patents have been awarded to businesses based outside the United States, with Japanese firms leading with 43,364 patents. This international distribution of patent activity signifies the global nature of technological advancement, where innovation is increasingly becoming a collective rather than a national endeavor.
The question of which technologies are driving the most significant growth movements remains pertinent. IFI CLAIMS has identified the Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies based on patent applications, an essential metric that provides an immediate insight into evolving sectors. Leading this list is the category of operating or servicing cells, which has surged over 27 percent from 2020 to 2024. This emerging technology is fundamental to advancements in electrolytic methods, indicating a shift toward more sustainable practices in various industries.
Additionally, pressing themes of sustainability have emerged, with several burgeoning technologies focused on waste reduction garnering attention. Technologies aimed at reclaiming non-ferrous metals, recovering waste materials, and effectively destroying solid waste are showcased in the rankings, illuminating a vital shift in innovation priorities that address pressing environmental challenges. The growth of applications for working up protein from non-traditional sources aligns with the global need for innovative solutions to meet an expanding population’s demands.
Amid overarching interest in artificial intelligence, IFI CLAIMS notes a decline in patent activity related to foundational technologies like machine learning, which had previously enjoyed rapid growth. This market transition signals the cyclical nature of technology growth, as associated sectors evolve in tandem with emerging trends. The insights garnered from these patent metrics are invaluable for investors seeking to understand the next big advancements and technological disruptions on the horizon.
As the landscape of patent activity evolves and expands, it becomes increasingly clear that comprehending these trends is crucial for researchers, analysts, and investors alike. The value embedded in intellectual property, gleaned from patent assets, provides a more profound understanding of a company’s core strengths, technological efficiencies, and competitive ecosystems across industries.
For those aspiring to delve deeper into these trends, IFI CLAIMS offers exceptional resources, including live data from the top 1,000 patent-holding companies worldwide. This tool facilitates user analysis and filtering, enabling insightful examinations of patent dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
About IFI CLAIMS – As a leader in patent data management, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services uses advanced data architectures to create an accurate and comprehensive patent database, positioning itself at the forefront of the industry. Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, and supported by a global presence through its connection to Digital Science, IFI CLAIMS remains dedicated to enhancing research endeavors via its deep insights into patenting trends and activities.
Subject of Research: U.S. Patent Grants and Rankings
Article Title: U.S. Patent Landscape Shows Renewed Growth and Competitive Dynamics in 2024
News Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Web References: IFI CLAIMS Overview
References: 2024 U.S. Top 50 Ranking, Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies, Trends in Patent Applications
Image Credits: IFI CLAIMS / Digital Science
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